FAISALABAD, Pakistan — On July 19, suspected Islamic extremists shot dead two Christians accused of “blasphemy.” Armed gunmen shot a pastor, Rashid Emmanuel, 32, and his 30-year-old brother, Sajid Emmanuel, days after handwriting experts July 14 notified police that signatures on papers denigrating Muhammad did not match those of the accused.
Expected to be exonerated, the two leaders of United Ministries Pakistan were being led in handcuffs under police custody back to jail when they were shot at 2:17 p.m., according to Rizwan Paul, president of Life for All.
“Five armed, masked men attacked and opened fire on the two accused,” Paul said, noting that Sajid died on the spot, while Rashid Emmanuel died later. The shooters escaped, and the superintendent of police and deputy superintendent police have reportedly been suspended for their failure to provide security for the slain brothers.
Christian Lawyers’ Foundation Pakistan President Khalid Gill said the two bodies bore cuts and other signs of having been tortured, including marks on their faces.
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